Home Secretary David Blunkett's plans for compulsory identity cards received a sceptical reaction from senior North East MPs.

Mr Blunkett was today outlining a timetable for steps to bring in the cards over six to 10 years.

His Commons statement today followed a major Cabinet battle which approved the move but delayed a decision on whether the cards should become compulsory for up to a decade.

Mr Blunkett's proposals will begin with a draft Bill in the Queen's Speech on November 26.

The first stage will be setting up a national computer data base followed by upgrading new passports to include "biometric" technology such as fingerprints or eye recognition.

He then wants hi-tech ID cards for foreign nationals resident in Britain and biometric driving licences.

But his claim that compulsory ID cards would crack down on illegal immigration and identity fraud is not shared by the region's MPs.

Blyth Valley's Ronnie Campbell, Newcastle North's Doug Henderson, Newcastle East and Wallsend Nick Brown and Blaydon's John McWilliam are all lukewarm, if not doubtful, although Mr Blunkett has the backing of Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, Jack Straw, Patricia Hewitt and John Prescott.

Former Works Minister Mr Brown said: "I've always been sceptical but I will listen to the case being put today. However I will take some convincing."

Mr Henderson, a former foreign office and defence minister said: "I'm not sure it will deliver everything that is being claimed for it. I think the infringement of civil liberties will be quite small, but I'm not sure that compulsory ID cards will do what is claimed."

Mr McWilliam said: "I think there is an awful lot of fuss going on about it but I've yet to be convinced that ID cards are going to do what people say they are going to do."

Mr Campbell said: "I'm going to listen to what he has to say. I agree with Mr Blunkett that illegal immigration and fraud are big issues that need to be tackled. Illegal immigration is not going to go away.

"But I am concerned about the civil liberties implications. I think the government knows to much about us already.

"I think they will be abused. There will be some government officers and police officers who will use them as just another excuse to push people around. I think I shall ask my constituents what they feel before I make up my mind."

Despite concerns about the cost from the Treasury and from civil liberty groups, Metropolitan Commissioner Sir John Stevens backed them because of the threat of terrorism.